Christmas Message 2023 – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Fellow Dominicans,
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, we are called to embrace the values of love, truthfulness, and respect for our fellow man. The birth of Christ is symbolic of new beginnings, inviting us to cast aside divisions and embrace the spirit of goodwill and understanding in all our relations.
In celebration of our Lord and Saviour, we are reminded of the beauty and strength found in unity, as echoed in Psalm 133:1. Just as Jesus lived and died to reconnect us with God and with one another, I implore us to reestablish links tested by political discord which dampens our national spirit and threatens our resolve. Let us as a nation of God-fearing and patriotic people, break the barriers of separation and division and reject the destructive forces of selfishness, jealousy, and hatred.
This year, more than ever, we have witnessed the world grappling with significant challenges – from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to persistent tensions between Israel and Palestine. All of these remind us of the fragile nature of peace and the importance of working towards a harmonious world.
Here in Dominica, our journey through 2023 has been marked by trials and triumphs. We have navigated economic hurdles, environmental challenges, and the continuing impacts of global upheaval. Yet, amidst these challenges, we stand tall, strengthened by our shared desire to see our country become what we know it can become. For this resilience, I am deeply grateful.
As your Prime Minister, I am excited and hopeful about the future of Dominica. We have launched transformative policies, embarked on significant infrastructural developments, and are exploring a range of opportunities with various partners to advance major development projects and propel our nation forward. These are not just plans on paper but tangible pathways to a more prosperous country. In the New Year, we anticipate substantial progress on major infrastructural projects to underpin job creation and economic independence for our citizens.
I hold strong to the belief that unity and collaborative effort can be our greatest assets and serve as the cornerstone of our progress. Let us enter the New Year resolved to meet our challenges and triumphs with a spirit of togetherness. Let us also be thankful for our achievements, for the lessons learned, and for the opportunities that lie ahead. It is this sense of gratitude that will keep us grounded and focused as we strive for a future filled with peace, prosperity, and joy.
As we look towards 2024, let us recommit ourselves to the values of compassion, decency, patience, and love, traits that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ taught us. Let these virtues guide our actions and interactions, both within our shores and in our relations with the wider world.
On behalf of the Government of Dominica and my family, I extend my warmest wishes for a Christmas filled with peace, joy, and an abundance of gratitude. May the New Year usher in a season of renewed hope, continued growth, and endless opportunities for every Dominican.
May God continue to bless our beloved nation and lead us all towards a harmonious and peaceful future.